At least 2 Hawaii races heading to runoff

HILO » Hawaii County Council Chairman Stacy Higa, who was cruising to an apparent victory in his Hilo District, noted last night that two or three of the nine nonpartisan Council races were likely to head toward runoffs in the general election.

With outcomes uncertain, the future direction of the Council might also change, but Higa said he was optimistic there would be no major change. "Hopefully not," he said.

Among the seats in contention were lower Puna, where former Council Chairman Gary Safarik was trailing Emily Naeole, a former drug counseling program employee.

In early returns, Naeole was ahead of Safarik, but lacked a clear majority.

"I really want to tank it," Naeole said early in the evening, hoping to have the victory "in the tank" in the primary. But it appeared they were headed for a runoff in November.

In Kona, a four-way race for the seat held by Virginia Isbell was similar. Two challengers were not far behind and one could pull ahead in a runoff.

In South Kohala, both incumbent Pete Hoffman and challenger Leningrad Elarionoff initially lacked a majority, but Hoffman barely passed the halfway mark in the second printout, possibly avoiding a runoff.

In Hamakua, the race between former councilman Dominic Yagong and incumbent Fred Holschuh was too close to call.

Another noteworthy race was in Hilo, where a seat vacated by longtime incumbent Jimmy Arakaki was being easily won by attorney J Yoshimoto, well ahead of former development agency head Paula Helfrich.

Voter voices

These comments were gathered at Aina Haina Community Park, Wailuku Elementary School and St. Catherine's School in Kapaa.

U.S. SENATE

Steven Leong
Voted for Ed Case"I don't think Akaka can be that effective. He's kind of getting old, as far as conveying the message effectively for Hawaii."

Tim Wong
Voted for Ed CaseSen. Akaka "is a wonderful man. I think it's time for him to retire. I don't feel sorry for him. He will have a nice pension."

Gregory Stock
Voted for Dan Akaka"I appreciated his stance against the war in Iraq and I appreciate his experience. He has done a lot of work for promoting renewable resources."

Valerie Van Buren
Voted for Ed Case"We need a smooth transition at his age level and he and his wife are dear friends. ... I love Sen. Akaka, too. He's a kind, loving man, but it's time."

Kevin Cole
Voted for Dan Akaka"I like that he has served our country a long time and he expresses the same values I have."

John Wheeler
Voted for Dan Akaka"I think he's done a great job over the years. I really appreciate the work he's done and I agree completely with his platform."

MAUI MAYOR

Vincent Mina
Voted for Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa"I'm interested in seeing agriculture supported in the state. ... Mayor Arakawa has been a supporter of agriculture."